Apparatus and method for growing plants hydroponically in multi-chamber containers

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided for growing plants hydroponically. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of containers each having a supply and a drain positioned above the supply. Methods of growing plants hydroponically in individual containers are also provided.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/746,391, filed Dec. 27, 2012, titled APPARATUS AND METHOD FORGROWING PLANTS HYDROPONICALLY IN MULTI-CHAMBER CONTAINERS, docketDAS-0272-02-US-E, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for growingplants hydroponically and in particular to methods and apparatus forgrowing plants hydroponically in isolated containers fed continuously orintermittently by one or more common reservoirs.

BACKGROUND

Water-culture hydroponics systems, in which roots are fully submergedand aerated in a water bath, address many nursery and research needs.Water-culture hydroponics systems are useful where roots are to bestudied after controlled fluid treatments. However, typical systemsexpose plants simultaneously to a single solution and do not physicallyseparate the plants from one another. Typical systems also do not allowfor individual plant treatments.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hydroponicssystem for growing at least one plant, the at least one plant havingroots is provided. The system comprises a container which receives theroots of the plant, the container including a lower half and an upperhalf, the roots of the plant extending from the upper half towards thelower half; a supply fluid conduit in fluid communication with aninterior of the container, the supply fluid conduit providing fluid tothe interior the container through a supply inlet provided in the bottomhalf of the container; and a return fluid conduit in fluid communicationwith the interior of the container, the return fluid conduit removingfluid from the interior of the container through a return inlet providedin the upper half of the container.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hydroponicssystem for growing at least one plant, the at least one plant havingroots is provided. The system comprises a reservoir storing a nutrientfluid for the roots of the at least one plant; a plurality ofcontainers, each of the containers surrounding the roots of a respectiveplant of the at least one plant positioned in an interior of thecontainer; a fluid supply system in fluid communication with an interiorof the reservoir and in fluid communication with the interiors of theplurality of containers, the fluid supply system providing fluid fromthe interior of the reservoir to the interiors of the plurality ofcontainers; an analysis system including a chamber in fluidcommunication with the interiors of the plurality of containers and withthe interior of reservoir, the analysis system receiving fluid from theinteriors of the plurality of containers into the chamber by a firstgravity feed and providing the fluid from the chamber to the reservoirby a second gravity feed.

In still another exemplary embodiment, a hydroponics system for growingat least one plant, the at least one plant having roots is provided. Thesystem comprises a reservoir storing a nutrient fluid for the roots ofthe at least one plant; a plurality of containers, each of thecontainers surrounding the roots of a respective plant of the at leastone plant positioned in an interior of the container; a fluid supplysystem in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir and influid communication with the interiors of the plurality of containers,the fluid supply system providing fluid from the interior of thereservoir to the interiors of the plurality of containers; a fluidreturn system in fluid communication with the interiors of the pluralityof containers and with the interior of reservoir, the fluid returnsystem receiving fluid from the interiors of the plurality of containersand returning the fluid to the reservoir; and a fluid measuring systemwhich monitors a fluid level in the interior of the reservoir, the fluidlevel in the interior of the reservoir providing an indication of anamount of root growth in the plurality of containers.

In yet still another exemplary embodiment, a hydroponics system forgrowing at least one plant, the at least one plant having roots isprovided. The system comprises a first reservoir storing a firstnutrient fluid for a first portion of the roots of the at least oneplant; a second reservoir storing a second nutrient fluid for a secondportion of the roots of the at least one plant; a plurality ofcontainers, each of the containers surrounding the roots of a respectiveplant of the at least one plant positioned in an interior of thecontainer, each container having a first fluid chamber which receivesthe first portion of the roots of a respective plant and a second fluidchamber which receives the second portion of the roots of the respectiveplant; a first fluid supply system in fluid communication with aninterior of the first reservoir and in fluid communication with thefirst fluid chambers of the plurality of containers, the first fluidsupply system providing the first nutrient fluid from the interior ofthe first reservoir to the first fluid chambers of the plurality ofcontainers; a first fluid return system in fluid communication with theinterior of the first reservoir and in fluid communication with thefirst fluid chambers of the plurality of containers, the first fluidreturn system removing the first nutrient fluid from the first fluidchambers of the plurality of containers and returning the first nutrientfluid to the first reservoir; a second fluid supply system in fluidcommunication with an interior of the second reservoir and in fluidcommunication with the second fluid chambers of the plurality ofcontainers, the second fluid supply system providing the second nutrientfluid from the interior of the second reservoir to the second fluidchambers of the plurality of containers; a second fluid return system influid communication with the interior of the second reservoir and influid communication with the second fluid chambers of the plurality ofcontainers, the second fluid return system removing the second nutrientfluid from the second fluid chambers of the plurality of containers andreturning the second nutrient fluid to the second reservoir, wherein thesecond nutrient fluid is kept segregated from the first nutrient fluid.

In still yet another exemplary embodiment, a method of monitoring rootgrowth of the roots of a plant is provided. The method comprisesproviding a first fluid chamber holding a first nutrient fluid; placinga first portion of the roots in the first fluid chamber; providing asecond fluid chamber holding a second nutrient fluid; and placing asecond portion of the roots in the second fluid chamber.

The above mentioned and other features of the invention, and the mannerof attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itselfwill be better understood by reference to the following description ofembodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side partial cutaway view of an exemplary growth chamber andplant support basket;

FIG. 1A is an overhead view of the exemplary growth container of FIG. 1in the direction indicated by arrows 1A-1A;

FIG. 2 is a side partial cutaway view of another exemplary growthcontainer and plant support basket supporting at plant;

FIG. 3 is a side partial cutaway view of an exemplary two-chamber growthcontainer;

FIG. 3A is an overhead view of the exemplary two-chamber growthcontainer of FIG. 3 in the direction indicated by arrows 3A-3A;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system for growing plants hydroponicallyin isolated containers;

FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of an exemplary manifold for use with theexemplary system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of an exemplary analysis column for usewith the exemplary system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary reservoir and exemplary fluid measuring systemfor use with the exemplary system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system for growing plants hydroponicallyin isolated containers with multiple reservoirs;

FIG. 9 illustrates the supply system of an exemplary system for growingplants hydroponically in two-chamber growth containers; and

FIG. 10 illustrates the return system of an exemplary system of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. While thepresent disclosure is primarily directed to the growing plantshydroponically, it should be understood that the features disclosedherein may have application to the growth of other types of samples.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary container 10 for hydroponicallygrowing plants is illustrated. In the exemplary embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1, Container 10 is divided by line 12 into an upper portion anda lower portion. In the illustrated embodiment, line 12 dividescontainer 10 such that upper portion is the upper half 14 of container10 and lower portion is the lower half 16 of container 10. In otherembodiments, line 12 divides chamber into an upper portion that islarger than lower portion, or a lower portion that is larger than upperportion.

In the illustrated embodiment, container 10 includes an opening 18 intowhich a plant support basket 20 is positioned. Plant support basket 20has an interior 22 into which a plant 24 is placed (see FIG. 2). Theplant may be supported by a media in the plant support basket 20. Plantsupport basket 20 includes a plurality of openings 26 through whichroots 28 of plant 24 are positioned. In one embodiment, the plurality ofopenings 26 are formed from spaces between ribs supporting plant 24 inplant support basket 20. Openings 26 allow the roots 28 of plant 24 tobe submerged in or otherwise extend into fluid 34 in the interior ofcontainer 10. In one exemplary embodiment, plant support basket 20 ispositioned directly above a return inlet 40 (discussed herein).

Illustratively, plant support basket 20 includes lip 30. Lip 30 isconfigured to be supported by a top surface of container 10 when plantsupport basket 20 is positioned in opening 18. In another embodiment,lip 30 is supported by an adaptor (not shown) that rests on a topsurface of container 10. In one embodiment, the adaptor is two pieces ofa support structure, such as boards, that include semi-circular openingsthat are aligned to form a circular opening that supports lip 30 andhence plant support basket 20.

The interior of container 10 is configured to hold a quantity of fluid34. In one exemplary embodiment, the quantity of fluid is determined bythe volume bounded by the return inlet 40, and a bottom 62 and walls ofcontainer 10. Exemplary fluids include water and nutrient-watersolutions.

The fluid 34 is provided to the interior of container 10 through supplyinlet 36. Supply inlet 36 is illustratively provided in the lower half16 of container 10. Fluid 34 provides an upward flow, indicated byarrows 38, in the interior of container 10, helping to keep roots 28from growing into supply inlet 36.

Fluid 34 is removed from the interior of container 10 through returninlet 40. Return inlet 40 is provided in a return extension tube 42connecting return inlet 40 to return fitting 48. Return inlet 40 isillustratively positioned in the upper half 14 of the interior ofcontainer 10. Fluid 34 is exits the bounded interior volume of throughreturn fitting 48 positioned in lower half 16 of container 10.

Illustratively, return inlet 40 is positioned at a height above supplyinlet 36, allowing a constant depth of fluid 34 in container 10 as longas fluid is flowing into supply inlet 36. In one exemplary embodiment,return inlet 40 is positioned about 1 inch from a bottom 31 of plantsupport basket 20. In another embodiment, return inlet 40 is positionedabout 0.5 inches to about 1 inch from bottom 31 of plant support basket20. In one embodiment, the distance between the return inlet 40 andbottom 31 of plant support basket 20 is selected to reduce root growthinto return inlet 40. Root growth into supply inlet 36 is reduced byupward current of the fluid flowing from supply inlet 36 into returninlet 40. In yet still another embodiment, different plant supportbaskets 20 having different lengths between lip 30 and bottom 31 areused to vary the distance between return inlet 40 and bottom 31 of plantsupport basket 20. Other suitable distances between return inlet 40 andbottom 31 of plant support basket 20 may be used depending on the typeof plant 24, length or roots 28, and depth of fluid desired. In oneembodiment, return inlet 40 is provided in a wall in container 10.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the fluid 34 suppliedto supply inlet 36 is supplied from pressurized fluid source 44 throughsupply conduit 46. In one embodiment, pressurized fluid source 44includes a fluid pump 49 and fluid reservoir 50 (see FIG. 4). Fluid 34from return fitting 48 is returned to reservoir 50 through returnconduit 52 (see FIG. 4).

Illustratively, container 10 includes drain outlet 54 fluidly connectedto a drain 56 by drain conduit 58. Drain conduit 58 includes one or morevalves 60, such as a stopcock valve, to control the flow of fluidthrough drain outlet 54. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.1, drain outlet 54 is positioned lower than return inlet 40.Illustratively, drain outlet 54 is positioned at the same height orlower than supply inlet 36. In one embodiment, a sensor is providedbelow the stopcock valve to provide an indication of when the valve isleaking. In one embodiment, controller 109 monitors the sensor.

When valve 60 is opened, the level of fluid 34 in container 10 islowered to about the position of drain outlet 54. In the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, draining fluid 34 through drain outlet54 provides more complete draining of fluid 34 in container 10 thanthrough return inlet 40.

In the illustrated embodiment, supply inlet 36, return fitting 48, anddrain outlet 54 are positioned on the bottom 62 of container 10. Inother embodiments, supply inlet 36, return fitting 48, and drain outlet54 are positioned on a wall, a side, or other suitable portion ofcontainer 10. In one embodiment, the connections for supply inlet 36,return fitting 48, and drain outlet 54 are formed integrally with thecontainer bottom.

Referring next to FIG. 1A, an overhead view of container 10 is shown inthe direction of arrows A is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1A, supplyinlet 36 is positioned on a first side of return inlet 40 and drainoutlet 54 is positioned on a second side of return inlet 40 opposite thefirst side. Also as shown in FIG. 1A, return inlet 40 is positionedbetween supply inlet 36 and drain outlet 54 on bottom 62 of container10. Illustratively, each of supply inlet 36, return inlet 40, and drainoutlet 54 are spaced apart from the walls of container 10.

Referring next to FIG. 2, container 10 is illustrated with a plant 24supported by plant support basket 20. As illustrated, plant 24 includesroots 28 extending from the upper half 14 of container 10 towards thelower half 16 of container 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, container 10 further includes a fluid conduit64 fluidly connected to pressurized fluid source 66. Fluid conduit 64 isinserted through port 68 of container 10. Port 68 is illustratively on atop surface 32 of container 10, but in other embodiments is positionedon a side or bottom 62 surface of container 10. In the illustratedembodiment, fluid conduit 64 provides a gas which aerates the fluid 34in container 10.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, aeration fluidconduit 64 provides the fluid from pressurized fluid source to aposition in container 10. Illustratively, bubbles from aeration fluidconduit 64 are formed in fluid 34 at an end 70 of aeration fluid conduit64. In the illustrated embodiment, end 70 is positioned in the lowerhalf 16 of container 10. An exemplary pressurized fluid source 66 is apressurized supply of air or other gas.

Referring next to FIG. 3, an illustrative two-chamber growth container110 is illustrated. Container 110 is similar to container 10. Theinterior of container 110 includes divider 72 dividing container 110into first chamber 110A and second chamber 1108. As illustrated in FIG.3, first chamber 110A and second chamber 1108 may be fed with fluid134A, 134B from separated pressurized fluid sources 144A, 144B tomeasure and determine the effect of different fluids 134A, 134B on rootgrowth.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, container 110 isdivided by line 112 into an upper portion corresponding to upper half114 and a lower portion corresponding to lower half 116. In otherembodiments, line 112 divides chambers 110A, 110B into an upper portionthat is larger than lower portion, or a lower portion that is largerthan upper portion. As illustrated, a plant 24 in plant support basket20 positioned in opening 18 includes roots 28 extending from the upperhalf 114 of container 110 towards the lower half 116 of container 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, container 110 includes an opening 18 intowhich a plant support basket 20 is positioned (see FIG. 2). Openings 26in plant support basket 20 allow the roots 28 of plant 24 to besubmerged in or otherwise extend into fluid 134A, 134B in the interiorof container 110.

The first chamber 110A and second chamber 110B of container 110 are eachconfigured to hold a quantity of fluid 134A or 134B. In the illustratedembodiment, divider 72 divides the interior of container 110 intoequally sized first and second chambers 110A, 110B. In otherembodiments, chambers 110A and 110B may be unequally sized. In oneembodiment, more than one divider 72 is used to divide container 110into at least three chambers.

For the following description, first chamber 110A will be exemplified.However, the teachings of first chamber 110A are equally applied tosecond chamber 110B, with the designation “B” replacing “A” in the partnumbers except where indicated.

The fluid 134A is provided to the interior of first chamber 110A throughsupply inlet 136A. Fluid 134A is removed from the interior of firstchamber 110A through return inlet 140A. Return inlet 140A is provided inreturn extension tube 142A connecting return inlet 140A to returnfitting 148A. In one embodiment, return inlet is provided in a wall ofcontainer 110.

Illustratively, return inlet 140A is positioned at a height above supplyinlet 136A, allowing a constant depth of fluid 134A in first chamber110A as long as fluid is flowing into supply inlet 136A.

Illustratively, first chamber 110A includes drain outlet 154A fluidlyconnected to a drain 56 by drain conduit 158A. Illustratively, drain 56is connected to drain outlet 154A and drain outlet 154B, although inother embodiments, separate drains 56 are used for each drain outlet154A, 154B. Drain conduit 158A includes one or more valves 160A, such asa stopcock valve, to control the flow of fluid through drain outlet154A. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, drain outlet154A is positioned lower than return inlet 140A. Illustratively, drainoutlet 154A is positioned at the same height or lower than supply inlet136A.

When valve 160A is opened, the level of fluid 134A in first chamber 110Ais lowered to about the position of drain outlet 154A. In the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, draining fluid 134A through drainoutlet 154A provides more complete draining of fluid 134A in firstchamber 110A than through return inlet 140A.

In the illustrated embodiment, supply inlets 136A, 136B, drain inlets148A, 148B, and emptying inlets 154A and 154B are positioned on thebottom 62 of container 110. In other embodiments, one or more of supplyinlets 136A, 136B, return inlets 148A, 148B, and drain outlets 154A and154B are positioned on a wall, a side, or other suitable portion ofcontainer 110.

As illustrated, container 110 further includes aeration fluid conduit164A fluidly connected to pressurized fluid source 66. Aeration fluidconduit 164A is inserted through aeration port 168A of container 110.Aeration port 168A is illustratively on a top surface 32 of container110, but in other embodiments is positioned on a side or bottom 62surface of container 110.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, aeration fluidconduit 164A provides the fluid from pressurized fluid source 66 to aposition in first chamber 110A. Illustratively, bubbles from aerationfluid conduit 164A are formed in fluid 134A at an end 170A of aerationfluid conduit 164A. An exemplary pressurized fluid source 66 is apressurized supply of air or other gas.

Referring next to FIG. 3A, an overhead view of container 110 is shown inthe direction of arrows B is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment,supply inlet 136A is positioned on a first side of return extension tube142A and drain outlet 154A is positioned on a second side of returnextension tube 142A opposite the first side. Also in the illustratedembodiment, return extension tube 142A is positioned between supplyinlet 136A and drain outlet 154A on bottom 62 of container 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, second chamber 110B is arranged as a mirrorimage to first chamber 110A. In another embodiment (not shown), secondchamber 110B is not arranged as a mirror image of first chamber 110A. Inone embodiment, supply inlet 136B is positioned between return extensiontube 142B and divider 72. In another embodiment, two or more of supplyinlet 136A, return inlet 140A, and drain outlet 154A are arrangedparallel to a length of divider 72.

Illustratively, each of the supply inlets 136A, 136B, return inlets140A, 140B, and drain outlets 154A, 154B are spaced apart from the wallsor sides of container 110.

Referring next to FIG. 4, an exemplary system 80 for growing plantshydroponically in isolated containers 10 is shown. Although illustratedas containers 10, in another embodiment, the system 80 includes one ormore chambers 110 within a container. System 80 includes a fluid supplysystem 82 indicated by solid lines in FIG. 4 supplying fluid 34 to aplurality of containers 10 and a fluid return system 84 indicated bydashed lines returning fluid 34 from the plurality of containers 10 to afluid reservoir 50.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, system 80 includesframe 86 supporting the plurality of containers 10 and reservoir 50.Fluid 34 from reservoir 50 is pressurized by pump 49 and supplied tocontainers 10 through a filter 88 to remove solids from fluid 34.Exemplary pumps 49 include submersible pumps positioned in reservoir 50,but other suitable pumps and positions may also be used. After passingthrough the filter 88, the fluid 34 is distributed to the plurality ofcontainers 10 by a manifold 90.

Referring next to FIG. 5, a side cutaway view of an exemplary manifold90 is illustrated. Exemplary manifolds 90 include those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,054,690, the disclsoure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein, and available as Xeri-Bird 8 MultiOutlet Emission Device from Rain Bird Corporation, Azusa, Calif.

Pressurized fluid 34 is supplied to manifold 90 from pump 49 throughsupply conduit 92 (see FIG. 4). Fluid 34 enters manifold 90 through mainchamber 94 (see FIG. 5) and is distributed, as shown by the fluid flowarrows 96, to a plurality of supply conduits 46, each leading to aseparate container 10. The fluid 34 illustratively flows through arestrictor adaptor 98 in manifold 90. Restrictor adaptor 98 reduces theflow rate from the main chamber 94 of manifold 90 for flow throughsupply conduit 46. In one exemplary embodiment, restrictor adaptor 98includes an adjustable orifice, allowing a user to adjust the flow ratethrough supply conduit 46. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a conduit clamp 99is provided which can selectively further restrict or prevent the flowof fluid 34 through supply conduit 46. In one embodiment, conduit clamp99 prevents fluid from siphoning from the interior of container 10 andmixing between containers 10. In one embodiment, conduit clamp 99 is aclamp. In another embodiment, conduit clamp 99 is a one way valve thatallows fluid to flow into the interior of container 10 through supplyinlet 36, but not from the interior of container 10 into the manifold90.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the fluid return system 84 includes returnconduit 52 connecting to the return fitting 48 of each container 10.Return line 102 collects the fluid 34 from the plurality of returnconduits 52 from each container 10 and supplies the fluid 34 to ananalysis system including analysis column 104. Return line 102illustratively includes vent 101 to assist in the flow of fluid throughreturn line 102. Fluid flows from analysis column 104 back to fluidreservoir 50 through return line 106. In another exemplary embodiment(not shown), a return line 102 is attached to the return fittings 48 ofthe containers 10, while a second return line is attached to the drainoutlet 54 of the containers 10.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the end of returnline 102 attached to analysis column 104 is lower than the connectionsof return line 102 with return conduit 52. This allows return line 102to be gravity fed.

Referring next to FIG. 6, a side cutaway view of an exemplary analysissystem including analysis column 104 is illustrated. Analysis column 104includes a chamber that receives fluid 34 from the interiors of theplurality of containers 10 by a first gravity feed and provides thefluid from the chamber to the reservoir 50 by a second gravity feed.Illustratively, analysis column 104 includes an open upper portion 100allowing visual inspection of the fluid 34 within the analysis column104.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, return line 102 connects toanalysis column 104 at a connection 103 below a connection 105 betweenanalysis column 104 and return line 106. In addition, connection 105 ispositioned lower than the connections of return line 102 with returnconduit 52. This arrangement allows fluid to circulate by gravity feedthrough analysis column 104 as shown by arrows 107 from return line 102through connection 103, up through analysis column 104, and throughconnection 105 and return line 106 before returning it to reservoir 50.

In another exemplary embodiment, return line 102 discards fluidcollected from containers 10 to drain 56 (see FIG. 1) after collectingthe fluid. The fluid 34 may be discarded before or after it is analyzedin the analysis column.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, sensor 108 is positioned in the interior ofanalysis column 104 in the fluid flow through the column shown by arrows107. At least one fluid characteristic of the fluid 34 in analysiscolumn 104 is measured by sensor 108. Exemplary sensors include pHmeters, concentration monitors, systems for measuring total solids andtotal dissolved solids, sensors to measure or identify specificsubstances, and other suitable instruments. Sensor 108 is illustrativelyoperably connected to a controller 109 through an open upper portion 100of analysis column 104, although in other embodiments, sensor 108 may beindependent of controller 109, connected through a side of analysiscolumn, wirelessly connected to controller 109, or controller 109 may bepositioned in the interior of analysis column 104. Other suitablearrangements, depending on the sensor 108 and controller 109 selected,may also be used.

In one embodiment, a sensor is provided or the pump is monitored bycontroller 109 to determine if filter 88 is plugged. If a determinationis made that filter 88 is plugged, controller 109 provides an indicationof the plugged state to a remote device. In one example, a status valueis made available over the Internet.

Referring next to FIG. 7, an exemplary reservoir 50 and fluid measuringsystem 172 is illustrated. Reservoir 50 includes a lid 174 covering atop opening of reservoir 50. Lid 174 includes a first hole 176 throughwhich supply conduit 92 provides fluid pressurized by pump 49 to thecontainers 10 (see FIG. 4). Lid 174 includes a second hole 178 throughwhich fluid is returned to reservoir 50 through return line 106. Lid 174further includes a third hole 180 in which fluid measuring system 172 ispositioned. In other embodiments (not shown) two or more of the holes176, 178, 180 are provided as a single opening.

Fluid measuring system 172 includes a float 182 and a measurement member184 extending vertically from the float 182 through third hole 180.Fluid measuring system 172 illustratively floats on a top level 35 offluid 34 in reservoir 50. Third hole 180 is illustratively provided withcover 186 and horizontal supports 188. Measurement member 184 includes aplurality of indicators 189 corresponding to the amount of fluid inreservoir 50. As the level of fluid 34 in reservoir 50 decreases, thetop level 35 of the fluid 34 will decrease in height, and fluidmeasuring system 172 will be positioned lower in reservoir 50. In theexemplary embodiment, the relative position of the indicators 189 to thehorizontal support 188 provides an indication of the current level offluid is the reservoir 50. In some embodiments, changes in the amount offluid 34 in reservoir 50 provides an indication of an amount of growthof roots 28 of plants 24 in containers 10. As the root growth incontainers 10 increases the available space for fluid decreases, therebyraising the fluid level in reservoir 50.

Referring next to FIG. 8, another exemplary system 210 is illustrated.System 210 includes two independent systems 80A and 80B similar tosystem 80 on a common frame 212. Systems 80A and 80B are independentsystems having a first fluid reservoir 50A, a first fluid supply system82A, and a first fluid return system 84A connected to a first pluralityof containers 10A and a second fluid reservoir 50B, a second fluidsupply system 82B, and a second fluid return system 84B connected to asecond plurality of containers 10B.

For the following description, first system 80A will be exemplified.However, the teachings of first system 80A can be equally applied tosecond system 80B, with the designation “B” replacing “A” in the partnumbers except where indicated.

First system 80A includes a first fluid supply system 82A indicated bysolid lines in FIG. 8 supplying a first fluid 34A to a first pluralityof containers 10A and a first fluid return system 84A indicated bydashed lines returning first fluid 34A from the first plurality ofcontainers 10A to a first fluid reservoir 50A. First fluid 34A fromfirst reservoir 50A is pressurized by first pump 49A and distributed tothe first plurality of containers 10A by manifold 90A.

The first fluid return system 84A includes return conduit 52A connectingto the return fitting 48 of each of the first plurality of containers10A (see FIG. 1). First return line 102A collects the first fluid 34Afrom the plurality of return conduits 52A from each of the firstplurality of containers 10A and supplies the first fluid 34A to thefirst analysis column 104A. First return line 102A illustrativelyincludes vent 101A to assist in the flow of fluid through first returnline 102A. The first fluid 34 flows from the first analysis column 104Aback to the first fluid reservoir 50A through first return line 106A. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the end of the first return line 102Aattached to the first analysis column 104A is lower than the connectionsof the first return line 102A with the first return conduit 52A.Further, the first return line 102A connects to the first analysiscolumn 104A at a connection below a connection between the firstanalysis column 104A and the first return line 106A, allowing the firstfluid return system 84A to be gravity fed.

Referring next to FIGS. 9 and 10, still another exemplary system 220 isillustrated. System 220 is similar to system 80 and system 210. System220 includes a plurality of two-chamber growth containers 110. System220 includes a first fluid system 220A supplying the first chambers 110Aof the plurality of growth chambers 110 and a second fluid systemsupplying the second chambers 110B of the plurality of growth chambers110 on a common frame 222. FIG. 9 illustrates the first fluid supplysystem 192A and second fluid supply system 192B of system 220. FIG. 9illustrates the first fluid return system 194A and the second fluidreturn system 194B of system 220.

Referring first to FIG. 9, a pressurized first fluid 134A is suppliedfrom a first fluid reservoir 50A by a first pump 49A to a first manifold190A, which distributes the first fluid 134A to the first chambers 110Aof the plurality of chambers 110. A pressurized second fluid 134B issupplied from a second fluid reservoir 50B by a second pump 49B to asecond manifold 190B, which distributes the second fluid 134B to thesecond chambers 110B of the plurality of chambers 110.

Referring next to FIG. 10, the first fluid return system 194A includesreturn conduit 152A connecting to the first return inlet 148A of thefirst chamber 110A of each of the plurality of chambers 110 (see FIG.3). First return line 202A collects the first fluid 134A from theplurality of return conduits 152A from the first chamber 110A of each ofthe plurality of chambers 110 and supplies the first fluid 134A to thefirst analysis column 204A. First return line 202A illustrativelyincludes vent 201A to assist in the flow of fluid through first returnline 202A. The first fluid 134A flows from the first analysis column204A back to the first fluid reservoir 50A through first return line206A. In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the first return line202A attached to the first analysis column 204A is lower than theconnections of the first return line 202A with the first return conduit152A. Further, the first return line 202A connects to the first analysiscolumn 204A at a connection below a connection between the firstanalysis column 104A and the first return line 206A, allowing the firstfluid return system 194A to be gravity fed.

The second fluid return system 194B includes return conduit 152Bconnecting to the second drain inlet 148B of the second chamber 110B ofeach of the plurality of chambers 110 (see FIG. 3). Second return line202B collects the second fluid 134B from the plurality of returnconduits 152B from the second chamber 110B of each of the plurality ofchambers 110 and supplies the second fluid 134B to the second analysiscolumn 204B. Second return line 202B illustratively includes vent 201 Bto assist in the flow of fluid through second return line 202B. Thesecond fluid 134B flows from the second analysis column 204B back to thesecond fluid reservoir 50B through second return line 206B. In theillustrated embodiment, the end of the second return line 202B attachedto the second analysis column 204B is lower than the connections of thesecond return line 202B with the second return conduit 152B. Further,the second return line 202B connects to the second analysis column 204Bat a connection below a connection between the second analysis column104B and the second return line 206B, allowing the second fluid returnsystem 194B to be gravity fed.

In one embodiment, the containers and fluid carrying portions of thedisclosed systems are generally light-proof to keep the fluid generallynon-exposed to light.

While this invention has been described as relative to exemplarydesigns, the present invention may be further modified within the spiritand scope of this disclosure. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

1. A hydroponics system for growing at least one plant, the at least oneplant having roots, the system comprising: a container which receivesthe roots of the plant, the container including a first fluid chamberand a second fluid chamber, a first portion of the roots beingpositioned in the first fluid chamber and a second portion of the rootsbeing positioned in the second fluid chamber; a first supply fluidconduit in fluid communication with an interior of the first fluidchamber of the container, the first supply fluid conduit providing afirst fluid to the interior of the first fluid chamber of the containerthrough a first supply inlet; a first return fluid conduit in fluidcommunication with the interior of the first fluid chamber of thecontainer, the first return fluid conduit removing the first fluid fromthe interior of the first fluid chamber of the container through a firstreturn inlet; a second supply fluid conduit in fluid communication withan interior of the second fluid chamber of the container, the secondsupply fluid conduit providing a second fluid to the interior of thesecond fluid chamber of the container through a second supply inlet; anda second return fluid conduit in fluid communication with the interiorof the second fluid chamber of the container, the second return fluidconduit removing the second fluid from the interior of the second fluidchamber of the container through a second return inlet, wherein thesecond fluid is segregated from the first fluid.
 2. The hydroponicssystem of claim 1, wherein the container includes at least one wall, thefirst and second return inlets spaced apart from the at least one wallof the container.
 3. The hydroponics system of claim 1, wherein thecontainer bounds a first interior volume including the first returninlet of the first return fluid conduit and a second interior volumeincluding the second return inlet of the second return fluid conduit. 4.The hydroponics system of claim 3, wherein the first fluid entering thefirst return inlet exits the first fluid chamber of the containerthrough the bottom half of the container.
 5. The hydroponics system ofclaim 4, wherein the first fluid enters the first fluid chamber througha bottom of the container and exits the first fluid chamber through thebottom of the container.
 6. The hydroponics system of claim 1, furthercomprising a basket supported by the container, the basket supportingthe at least one plant and including a plurality of openings throughwhich the roots of the at least one plant extend.
 7. The hydroponicssystem of claim 6, wherein a first portion of the roots extend into thefirst fluid chamber and a second portion of the roots extend into thesecond fluid chamber.
 8. The hydroponics system of claim 1, furthercomprising a third supply fluid conduit in fluid communication with theinterior of the container, the third supply fluid conduit providing athird fluid to the interior the container through a third supply inletprovided in the bottom half of the container.
 9. The hydroponics systemof claim 8, wherein the supply fluid conduit is in fluid communicationwith a first pressurized fluid source, the second supply fluid conduitis in fluid communication with a second pressurized fluid source, andthe third supply fluid conduit is in fluid communication with a thirdpressurized fluid source.
 10. The hydroponics system of claim 9, whereinthe first pressurized fluid source provides a pressurized liquid to thefirst fluid chamber, the second pressurized fluid source provides apressurized liquid to the second fluid chamber, and the thirdpressurized fluid source provides a pressurized air to the interior ofthe container.
 11. A hydroponics system for growing at least one plant,the at least one plant having roots, the system comprising: a firstreservoir storing a first nutrient fluid for a first portion of theroots of the at least one plant; a second reservoir storing a secondnutrient fluid for a second portion of the roots of the at least oneplant; a plurality of containers, each of the containers surrounding theroots of a respective plant of the at least one plant positioned in aninterior of the container, each container having a first fluid chamberwhich receives the first portion of the roots of a respective plant anda second fluid chamber which receives the second portion of the roots ofthe respective plant; a first fluid supply system in fluid communicationwith an interior of the first reservoir and in fluid communication withthe first fluid chambers of the plurality of containers, the first fluidsupply system providing the first nutrient fluid from the interior ofthe first reservoir to the first fluid chambers of the plurality ofcontainers; a first fluid return system in fluid communication with theinterior of the first reservoir and in fluid communication with thefirst fluid chambers of the plurality of containers, the first fluidreturn system removing the first nutrient fluid from the first fluidchambers of the plurality of containers and returning the first nutrientfluid to the first reservoir; a second fluid supply system in fluidcommunication with an interior of the second reservoir and in fluidcommunication with the second fluid chambers of the plurality ofcontainers, the second fluid supply system providing the second nutrientfluid from the interior of the second reservoir to the second fluidchambers of the plurality of containers; a second fluid return system influid communication with the interior of the second reservoir and influid communication with the second fluid chambers of the plurality ofcontainers, the second fluid return system removing the second nutrientfluid from the second fluid chambers of the plurality of containers andreturning the second nutrient fluid to the second reservoir, wherein thesecond nutrient fluid is kept segregated from the first nutrient fluid.12. The hydroponics system of claim 11, further comprising : firstanalysis system including a first analysis chamber in fluidcommunication with the interiors of the first fluid chambers of theplurality of containers and with the interior of the first reservoir,the first analysis system receiving the first fluid from the first fluidchambers into the chamber by a first gravity feed and providing thefirst fluid from the chamber to the first reservoir by a second gravityfeed, wherein the first analysis chamber is positioned lower than theinteriors of the plurality of containers and the reservoir is positionedlower than the first analysis chamber.
 13. The hydroponics system ofclaim 11, wherein fluid enters the first analysis chamber from the firstfluid chambers at a first height and exits the first analysis chamber toreturn to the first reservoir at a second height, the second heightbeing above the first height.
 14. The hydroponics system of claim 11,further comprising a sensor positioned to monitor at least onecharacteristic of the fluid in the first analysis chamber.
 15. Thehydroponics system of claim 11, wherein the first analysis chamberincludes an open upper portion to provide visual inspection of the fluidwithin the first analysis chamber.
 16. The hydroponics system of claim11, wherein the first fluid supply system is regulated to provide afirst flow rate to a first chamber of the first fluid chambers of theplurality of containers and a second flow rate to a second chamber ofthe first fluid chambers of the plurality of containers, the second flowrate being different than the first flow rate.
 17. The hydroponicssystem of claim 11, further comprising a fluid measuring system whichmonitors a fluid level in the interior of the first reservoir, the fluidlevel in the interior of the first reservoir providing an indication ofan amount of root growth in the first fluid chambers.
 18. Thehydroponics system of claim 11, wherein fluid is provided to the firstfluid chambers of the plurality of containers continuously.
 19. Thehydroponics system of claim 11, wherein fluid is provided to the firstfluid chambers of the plurality of containers intermittently.
 20. Amethod of monitoring root growth of the roots of a plant, the methodcomprising: providing a first fluid chamber holding a first nutrientfluid; placing a first portion of the roots in the first fluid chamber;providing a second fluid chamber holding a second nutrient fluid; andplacing a second portion of the roots in the second fluid chamber. 21.The method of claim 20, wherein the first fluid chamber and the secondfluid chamber are providing in an interior of a container.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising the step of supporting the plantwith the container.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:supplying the first nutrient fluid to the first fluid chamber from afirst reservoir having a first interior; supplying the second nutrientfluid to the second fluid chamber from a second reservoir having asecond interior; returning the first nutrient fluid from the first fluidchamber to the interior of the first reservoir; and returning the secondnutrient fluid from the second fluid chamber to the interior of thesecond reservoir.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprisingdetermining a fluid level in the interior level of the first reservoir,the fluid level in the interior of the first reservoir providing anindication of an amount of root growth in the first fluid chamber. 25.The method of claim 24, further comprising determining a fluid level inthe interior level of the second reservoir, the fluid level in theinterior of the second reservoir providing an indication of an amount ofroot growth in the second fluid chamber.